Aquiver (Sequel)

Tell Me a Story

Aquiver ~36

•Charlotte Carpenter•

I stare at Jacob unsure how to feel about him. A part of me is hurt that he would say things to me I didn't do. The other part of me is sort of happy that he is here even though I'm partially scared. I ruined everything he had planned.

Shawn, Aaron, Ethan and Grayson are looking cautiously for my reaction. They're waiting for my reaction. I'm beyond tired now. It has been a very long night.

Jacob is standing by the door with the most stressed out and guilty expression anyone could possibly have. My head tells me I shouldn't let him back in, but I listen to my heart at this point. My brother allowed him to be here and Hayes told me to forgive him. He knows Jacob never intentionally meant to push me away without a reason.

"Jacob..." I say quietly. He looks up and I notice how much he's a mess. I want to get up and run over to him. His eyes telling me how sorry and scared he is.

Ethan looks at the guys before standing. Shawn gives a nod and they quietly leave the room patting Jacob on the shoulder. They close the door and I blink trying to stay awake.

"Jacob," I ask for him again. He slowly makes his way over to me and I gently take his hand. I notice he has sweaty palms. I look up at him then tug slightly for him to sit on the bed.

"I'm very sorry," he croaks and I reach up to caress his face. He closes his eyes as if my touch relaxed him. I've missed his touch. He opens his eyes and looks at me.

"I know you are," I answer quietly and let my thumb massage his temple on one side.

"I was so mad at you and I just assumed things that were probably not right. I hurt you and I was terrified when I couldn't find you last night." I wipe the first tear from him, because it shocks me. I've never seen him cry before. "You don't understand how lucky I should have been that you were with me this weekend. This weekend was amazing to me and I came to stupid conclusions."

"We all come to stupid conclusions," I say softly and I yawn. I blink and realize I don't want to open my eyes right now. Forcing my eyes to stay open is pretty impossible at the moment.

"You must be exhausted. I should let you rest." In one swift movement, Jacobs touch is gone and I force my eyes open. My heart is racing and I'm aching for him to be right beside me. He stood off the bed and as he is about to walk away, I reach for his arm and he turns around.

"Stay here with me."

"I-I can't Char. I'm the reason you're in here."

"Please?" I ask weakly. He shakes his head and I feel as if maybe he only wanted to come here to apologize. I'm asking him to stay. Why is it hard to say yes?

"No."

"Then let's continue talking."

"Char, you're exhausted. You need to rest. I'll come back tomorrow." I look down and my hand slides down until I am touching air. I bring my hand back towards me to rest on top of the cover. "Don't be like that," he sighs.

He doesn't want to stay, my head tells me. I carefully turn my body so I'm facing away from him and I wait to hear movement. The door is forced opened and closed. I bring my hands to my face feeling as I need to somehow comfort myself.

I shouldn't have expected he'd be there to comfort me after this accident. I'm still shaken up afraid and thought maybe he'd stay just so I could sleep peacefully. I should stop assuming things myself. Maybe I shouldn't assume that he wants to see me. Maybe he forced himself to be here to only apologize and make me feel better somewhat.